The phrase "Women Who Love Too Much" refers primarily to a concept and the title of a well-known self-help book by Robin Norwood, first published in 1985. The book explores why some women develop obsessive, unhealthy attachments to emotionally unavailable men and how this pattern often stems from unmet emotional needs and childhood trauma
. Key points about "Women Who Love Too Much" include:
- It describes women who confuse obsessive emotional pain and dependency with love, often staying in harmful relationships despite the negative impact on their well-being
- These women tend to be attracted to men who are emotionally unavailable—such as addicts or married men—because these relationships mirror unresolved childhood wounds
- Such women may use sex as a way to try to secure affection, but this usually fails to create genuine emotional connection
- The condition is likened to an addiction, where women become relationship junkies, sometimes coupled with substance abuse or other coping mechanisms to numb emotional pain
- Recovery involves recognizing the problem, seeking help (often through therapy or support groups), and learning to build self-worth independently of unhealthy relationships
The book has been influential and is regarded as enlightening by many readers who have experienced similar relationship patterns
. It remains in print and widely available
. In essence, "Women Who Love Too Much" is both a description of a psychological pattern and a guide for women to understand and break free from destructive cycles of love and attachment.
